The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza came into effect on Sunday, marking a halt in more than 15 months of devastating war. The agreement includes a 42-day ceasefire, followed by two additional phases.
According to the Qatari Ministry, this initial phase is expected to bring an end to hostilities, allowing families to reunite with loved ones and humanitarian aid to enter the besieged enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would be prepared to fight “if necessary,” but stated that President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have given full backing for a peaceful resolution.
As part of the deal, 90 Palestinians are set to be released from Ofer Prison in the West Bank, hours after three Israeli hostages were freed by Hamas. The release comes with conditions: Palestinian prisoners convicted of murder and manufacturing weapons will be allowed to leave Gaza or abroad, but not return for at least three years.
A “withdrawal and redeployment” of Israeli forces outside densely populated areas is also part of the agreement, allowing internally displaced people in Gaza to return home. However, Israel maintains control over the Philadelphi Corridor, citing security concerns.
The deal includes a significant surge in humanitarian aid: over 500 trucks will deliver aid to Gaza daily, with half going to northern Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated rapidly. The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed its readiness to facilitate the transfer of hostages from Hamas to IDF control within Gaza.
With this agreement, Israel and Hamas have finally reached a truce after months of violence, marking a new chapter in their decades-long conflict.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/19/israel-war-gaza-ceasefire-hostages-news-hamas